THE GREEK ORTHODOX MONASTERY OF MAR ELIAS (6th Century AD)-As per tradition Prophet Elijah slept here while fleeing from Queen Jezebel (I Kings 19:3).

Located on a hill like a fortress, 817 metre above Sea Level, Mar Elias Monastery is almost in the middle of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Although, the Monastery has foundation from Byzantine Period (6th Century AD), it was destroyed by Persians (614 AD) and later severely by earthquakes in 1033 and 116o. In 1160 itself, the monastery was rebuilt by Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos (Comnenus).

Why is the Monastery in the name of Elias? At least three possibilities are put forward based on various traditions. 1) The monastery stands on the site where Prophet Elijah rested on his flight from Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 19:15). 2) Greek Bishop Elias of Bethlehem was buried here in 1345. 3) The sepulcher of Egyptian monk St. Elias who later became Patriarch of Jerusalem in 494 is here.

We walked around half a kilometer from Ramat Rachel to the Monastery only to find that it is not open to public, unless you have arranged a visit by prior appointment. Instead, we climbed the "Hill of Elijah" at the backyard of the monastery. The view from the hill can get you Bethlehem and adjoining areas. The following few photographs will give you a rough idea about the area.